Chapter 34
A/N: Greetings everyone! Phew, sorry for the long hiatus ^^'' Since becoming a mom in December of last year, I have barely had any chance to write at all. It isn't easy finding time to do so, in between feeding, changing, cleaning and nap time xD
It has, however, warmed my heart every time I have seen a new comment on this little (long) story of mine. I never thought anyone would still be following it after such a long time, but I have been surprised more than once
So thank you to all of you who have taken the time to send a comment my way, after your read-through. I hope to see more in the future For now, my stories/chapters will be short and far between, since my son takes quite the energy to handle, and I will only be able to write every now and then, when his dad can cover for me xD
Anyways, here's a small chapter for those of you still reading. I hope you all enjoy (^_^)
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In the end, the visit to Astral world went smoother than it had the previous time, with Eliphas seemingly accepting that Yuma was now being properly protective of Astral. The two lovers hadn't had any serious fights since last time, which meant that Astral was feeling better than he had before, despite still finding the whole 'being constantly visible' challenging at times.
When examining him, Enna found nothing wrong with his pregnancy or the child, which she could still sense, as she had been able to since that very first visit.
So the Astralians didn't have any issues with letting the couple return to Earth, as soon as their two-day visit was up.
Though they did, once more, remind them to return again soon, and preferable for a bit longer next time, so that both the child and Astral could benefit from being in their 'home atmosphere' for a while…
So with that, they had left Astral world once more.
As soon as they were back home, Yuma had gone to rest, worried and anxious about the conversation he'd have to have with their friends once they returned to school.
As he did, Astral tried his best to focus on sensing the life he was carrying, and connecting with it. A thing which was always done in Astral world, before delivery.
Astral was concerned about whether or not he'd be able to prepare the child properly for coming in to the world, since his time to fully focus on the small being, was far more limited than it would have been, where he came from.
Which was why he used every chance he got, to try and do so, though it wasn't easy with Yumas swirling fear constantly lurking at the back of his mind…
After a couple of days of pretending to be sick, and staying home from school because of it, Yuma suddenly, without warning, found himself face to face with the very subject of his trouble.
The doorbell rang, and Yuma and Astral being the only two currently home, meant Yuma had to go and answer it.
And as he did, his eyes were instantly met by those of a very grumpy looking Tori, as well as three other pairs.
"I knew it" she said "see? I told you guys he wasn't sick". The others didn't comment at first, but when Yuma didn't say anything, Bronk finally sighed heavily. "Are you gonna let us in or what?" he asked and swallowing, Yuma stepped aside as he called down the hallway "Astral, we have visitors!".
Coming from their room, Astral appeared after a few minutes, wearing a pajama in golden and blue hues, matching his skin and eyes. Surprise was obvious in his face, when he saw who their guests were, but with a quiet sigh, he also understood that this was it. It was time for that very long explanation, which he had otherwise hoped to keep private.
And so, with quiet steps, he headed over to join them in the living room, as Yuma quickly found some snacks for them all.
"Well then" Caswell asked once the group had sat down together "Tori said you were ditching school because of some big secret. Care to share?". "Yeah Yuma, what's the deal?" Bronk asked "it's not like you to avoid us like this unless something bad is going on. What is it this time? Are the Barians acting up again or is it some new threat?".
"That's what I've been saying! I just knew something wasn't right!" Tori added, arms crossed and lips in a tight line, making her look like she just tasted an extremely sour fruit of sorts.
"Well, on the flip side, this wouldn't be the first time Yuma ditched school, now would it?" Flip then shot in "he's done it before, and not necessarily because something bad was going on. I remember him missing his fair deal of classes back in the day, simply because he couldn't keep up".
"Well, that was then, and this is now" Yuma finally said, then continued defensively, as though he was being interrogated "I've been paying proper attention in high-school and you know that!".
"Exactly! That's why you suddenly ditching school again is suspicious. See what we mean?" Bronk asked and Yuma sighed.
"I guess so" he replied, voice low. He knew they only did this because they genuinely cared about him, and was worried for him, but he really hadn't thought he'd be having a conversation with them, like the one they were about to have now, for another 10 years. Or well, ever, actually!
"Right? So spill it then man!" Bronk continued and Yuma swallowed. "Oh boy" he thought to himself "this is it".
Feeling the stress building in his partner, Astral decided it was time for him to speak and so, before anyone could say anymore, he began. "Since this whole thing comes down to me, and my unique biology, allow me to take charge of this conversation Yuma. I believe that would be best, do you not agree?".
Relief obvious in his features, Yuma eagerly nodded. "Yeah, you're right Astral. Go ahead" he replied, sending the alien an obvious smile and, focusing on the others, Astral began…
"Dang" Bronk said, once Astral silenced again. Taking a deep breath, the Astralian then proceeded to squeeze Yumas hand, which he'd grabbed during his narration. The young man looked pale and Astral could feel an ever so light shiver running through him every second, as they waited to hear their friends reactions.
"That's quite the tale you two. I… don't believe it" Caswell said, speaking after Bronk. "I agree. It sounds impossible. But on the other side" Flip now piped in "Come on guys. Astrals' an alien. I mean, you've been on his spaceship! We've seen the two of them joining together with the power of Zexal many times. Is it really, truly, that strange?
So Astral can become whatever he needs to be when he wants to be it. Considering the possibilities in that… Honestly, I'm a little intrigued!".
The way Flip looked at Astral as he said that, made Yuma jump in his seat and Astral lower his eyes, a blush in his cheeks. Flip quickly averted his eyes, then threw out his hands. "Oh come on! None of you have thought the same? Seriously!?" he then asked, but when no one replied, he quickly cleared his throat and stopped talking.
A few moments later, Astral mumbled under his breath "not whatever", but only Yuma heard it and soon after, Tori stopped the ground frustratedly "what is wrong with you all?! Why aren't you finding this crazier?!
You're all just going to accept it, just like that, no questions asked?! My God you guys! They´re both dudes! It's not natural! It shouldn't be possible!
And not just that, but don't you get it?! They've been keeping things from us, lied to us, for months! Why are you all so okay with that?!".
Clenching her fists, she stared at Yuma and Astral with flashing eyes, that seemed plenty capable of killing anything they feel upon.
"Yo, calm down Meadows" Bronk said, placing an arm in front of her. "We know, okay? But to be honest, I totally get why. Don't you?".
"Yes. And why they continue to hide it. If the teachers found out, they'd be kicked out of school! And Yuma does have a point, in that he's finally paying attention in class and getting his homework done on time" Caswell added followed by "I'm with the others here Tori. Look at it from their side too" from Flip, though his voice was lower than those of Caswell and Bronk.
"Yeah. What would you have done if YOU'D been the one to get pregnant? Can you honestly say you'd have told us straight away?" Bronk then continued, and Toris lightning stare turned to him.
"It would never have happened to me, because I don't go around sleeping with people when I'm not even out of school yet!" she replied, voice hard, and Bronk lowered his arm, looking at her with raised eyebrows.
"Ehm Tori, who's acting out of character now?" Flip asked, but she didn't reply with anything but a snort, before crossing here arms in front of her and turning her back to Yuma and Astral.
Astral felt the chill in the room and instantly he sensed fear coming to him from Yuma. But just as he was about to speak, the child in him seemed to jump and, startled, Astral quickly placed a hand on his stomach, frowning. He'd not felt it really move like this before. Wat it a good sign? Or a bad one?
As everyone was focused on Tori though, no one else seemed to notice and before he could focus on the room again, Yuma was out of his chair and talking, voice slightly panicked.
"Come on Tori, we're sorry, okay? We didn't mean to lie to you all! Well, we kind of did, but… But that's because we're scared, okay?! We never thought this might happen either! Didn't you listen to what Astral said? We did what we had to do, to save his life!
And yeah, sure, we've been… doing stuff before too. But we never thought anything more would come of it, that just being as close together as we could! As we each needed! You don't know what it's like to be one whole, but separated in two! It's agony!" he tried, but Toris response was completely unexpected.
"Oh, don't I Tsukumo?!" she yelled, turning around so he could see her. "Ever thought about how I'm feeling in all of this? In you, and him, considering what we used to have?! Don't you think I feel like I'm missing part of myself too!?".
Yuma gasped as he saw tears running down her cheeks. Wiping at them angrily, Tori swore under her breath. "Stupid eyes! Stupid tears! Stop it! Stop crying!". Yuma felt his heart clench in sympathy and with a pang of guilt, he reached out for her.
But Tori pulled her arm away forcefully, turned on her heels and stormed out. Yuma had been about to follow her, but was stopped by Bronk, who reached out an arm in front of him and shook his head.
"Let her go Yuma. You going after her now, won't help either of you one bit. Let her cool off for a while. She'll be okay, our Tori. She's a strong girl" he said, glancing after her.
"But Bronk, what if she goes and tells the whole school about this?!" Yuma asked, panicked, but Caswell interrupted him. "Really Yuma? You've known her for how long now? No matter how angry or hurt she might be, she's not going to betray any of us. Not with regards to this, or anything else" he said, and Flip nodded.
"Yeah. She just needs a little space. She'll probably even come back and apologize for what happened sooner rather than later. Trust her" he added, and Yuma sighed.
"I know… At least, I hope I do" he said quietly and Bronk lowered his arm as Yuma sat back down again.
"Listen guys, thanks for telling us what's really going on here. We appreciate it" Bronk said after a moment "and don't worry, we won't tell a soul about it. Your secret is safe with us. I just hope the two of you know what you're getting into".
Caswell agreed with a nod. "And that you have thought about the delivery. This is going to be a lot harder to explain to anyone outside our Numbers Investigation Club" he added. "Yeah, tell me about it" Yuma mumbled in response.
"About that, when IS he due, actually?" Flip asked.
Yuma shrugged and it was Astral who replied. "We are not certain of this ourselves either. In Astral world, gestation last 6 months at the most, but in humanist is usually closer to 10 months" he said.
"So it could happen in the middle of our final exams then?" Caswell asked, looking horrified, but all Astral could do, was nod. "I am afraid so, yes" he said and Yuma groaned quietly, quietly slamming a hand against his forehead, before running his fingers down the face with a long sigh.
Astral understood him only too well. Finishing his education with proper grades, was crucial for their future together, and what chances Yuma might have, of finding a job with proper pay, so he could support his family.
"Let's just hope that doesn't happen" the alien then said, placing a hand on Yumas shoulder and looking at him. "And even if it does, we'll find a way to make it work. Right Yuma?" he then continued, and Yuma send him a weary smile, placing a hand over Astrals, nodding.
"Yeah" he mumbled in response.
Bronk cleared his throat. "Well, in either case. I better go after Tori. It's getting dark out soon and well… someone should check on her" he said. "Yeah, we'd better get going too" Flip and Caswell agreed and then they all bid eachother goodbye, though Caswell did turn in the door on their way out, saying over his shoulder as he looked at Yuma and Astral "so, we'll see you at school tomorrow, right?".
Yuma nodded and with a thumbs up, and a small smile, the last of their friends closed the door behind him as he finally left…